ILOCOS NORTE - Black Mamba-Army fought back from a set down to beat Perlas, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, 25-13, for its third victory against five losses for solo sixth in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference here, Thursday.
The Spikers failed to sustain their fine start, succumbing to the Lady Troopers' power game in the next two before getting overwhelmed in the fourth to join the Cignal HD Spikers at ninth at 1-6 in this bubble tournament at the PCV Socio-Civic and Cultural Center here in Bacarra.
"Loose laro nila, naka relax kahit papano yun gusto naming ineenjoy nila yung laro. Yung talagang kailangan naming ipanalo naming nung nakaraan hindi naming nakuha," said Army head coach Kungfu Reyes.
Jovelyn Gonzaga led the Lady Troopers with 17 points -- all coming from attacks -- along with 31 excellent digs and eight excellent receptions.
Ging Balse-Pabayo added 14 points while Royse Tubino and Joanne Bunag chipped in 13 and 11 markers, respectively.
Fhen Emnas churned the offense with 23 excellent sets laced with 18 excellent digs.
Army had a strong showing in the opening set but could not weather Perlas' surge. Down one set, the Lady Troopers returned the favor in the second and third sets to take 2-1 advantage.
Cherry Nunag finished with 18 points off 14 attacks and four blocks for Perlas while Jho Maraguinot tallied 17 in the loss.
